Consultant in Project Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP operates through its Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office) located in Panama City, Panama, working closely with 33 countries in the region, including 16 small island developing States, and serving a population of about 588 million people. The office's activities are integrated into the work programs approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP (UNEA) and aim to implement the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the priority actions defined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and National Adaptation Plans (NAP) of the region. UNEP's Sub-programme on Climate Change aims to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low-emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being, focusing on integrating adaptation approaches into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. The organization is committed to ensuring that cross-cutting issues such as gender equity and women's empowerment are effectively integrated into its tasks to guarantee equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives.

Job Overview:
The Consultant in Project Management will play a crucial role in the efficient implementation of the project titled 'Building capacities for the development of the National Adaptation Plan in the context of the NDCs adaptation themes in Panamá.' This position involves close collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and UNEP to coordinate and implement the Green Climate Fund funded project as outlined in the funding proposal document. The consultant will report directly to the Regional Programme Coordinator Officer for the Climate Change Unit for the Latin America and the Caribbean Office and will be primarily responsible for supporting the results of the project. The consultant's work will focus on strengthening adaptation planning governance, producing evidence for designing adaptation solutions, and catalyzing private sector engagement in adaptation. The consultant will also ensure that the operations, financial and logistical management, procurement processes, and project activities align with the project proposal and UNEP procedures. This role requires a strategic approach to project management, ensuring coherent implementation across components, effective resource use, and alignment with national adaptation priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant in Project Management will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the project. Key responsibilities include:

• Strengthening adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination by launching and institutionalizing the NAP Process steering arrangements and coordination platform.
• Establishing a mechanism to track adaptation progress, report advances, and evaluate outcomes for future revisions of the NDC adaptation themes.
• Developing terms of reference and assisting in the identification, selection, recruitment, and coordination of individual consultants and consultancy firms.
• Coordinating the Project Management Unit and managing technical and financial resources effectively.
• Planning, managing, coordinating, and executing daily project activities while respecting the vision and values of the United Nations, particularly in sustainable development, gender equality, and climate resilience.
• Developing a framework for adaptation indicators, targets, and means of verification used in the country, identifying good practices and areas for improvement.
• Providing strategic advice and leadership for project implementation, focusing on impact, cost-effectiveness, punctuality, and quality of deliverables.
• Collaborating in the preparation of Annual Operating Plans, procurement plans, and budgets for the project.
• Ensuring that all operations, financial and logistical management, procurement processes, and project activities comply with UNEP procedures. 1
• Producing thematic technical reports that consider medium to long-term risk management and gender-sensitive criteria for adaptation options prioritization. 1
• Facilitating stakeholder engagement and communication activities related to project achievements. 1
• Conducting financial and economic appraisals of alternative adaptation strategies to develop comprehensive long-term adaptation strategies for each thematic area. 1
• Maintaining organized documentation of project records for easy reference. 1
• Supporting legal agreements and capacity assessments with partners as needed. 1
• Planning and guiding the monitoring, tracking, and evaluation of project implementation, including timely preparation and submission of progress reports. 1
• Identifying financial instruments and necessary revisions to the legal and policy framework to support private sector engagement in adaptation. 1
• Leading collaborative partnerships for project implementation and maintaining effective communication with partners and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in project management, climate change, natural resource management, conservation, environment, geography, international cooperation, sustainable development, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in one of these fields is desirable. Additionally, at least two years of work experience in areas related to design, planning, execution, or monitoring in project development in the climate change field is required. Previous experience in generating national climate change reports, such as National Communications and Biennial Update Reports, is desirable. Experience in international climate negotiation processes related to adaptation is also desired, along with experience working with international organizations. Knowledge of UN Environment policies, procedures, and practices is an asset, as is experience with GCF or GEF projects and knowledge of environmental regulations and climate change in Panama.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in project management, climate change, natural resource management, conservation, environment, geography, international cooperation, sustainable development, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is considered an advantage and is desirable for this position.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in project development related to climate change, including design, planning, execution, or monitoring. Candidates with previous experience in generating national climate change reports and those familiar with international climate negotiation processes will be preferred. Experience with international organizations and knowledge of UN Environment policies and practices will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the project. Basic proficiency in English is also required, allowing for some level of communication in an international context. Additional language skills may be advantageous but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The Consultant in Project Management will work 30 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, with a daily schedule of 6 hours. The position is based in the Ministry of Environment, Project Management Unit in Panama City, Panama, and is expected to last for a duration of 12 months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees.